A WATER based community organisation has made a big splash into chartered waters following the signing of a licence agreement.

The creation of a watersports centre at Barry Community Water Activity Centre (BCWAC) moved closer as the group signed the licence agreement which now gives controlling access to water in No 1 Dock at Barry Waterfront.

BCWAC will operate from opposite Morrison's Supermarket on land in the middle of the Waterfront known as the Mole.

All use of the No 1 Dock for recreation, training, competitions in all forms of water activities, sailing, sail boarding, canoeing, rowing, power boating, dragon boat racing, rafting, and regattas will be operated totally through the Ocean Watersports Trust, from the Barry Community Water Activities Centre.

The compliance with the terms of the licence will be the responsibility of the operations committee together with the management committee.

Secretary, Philip Walters said: "This is a major step forward and our operating licence should give confidence to potential grant bodies, sport governing bodies, potential partners that we are making good progress and have the capability to deliver this project for the community."

The group recently undertook early works on the access road to the site.

The next phase is to construct the slipway.

Tenders are currently being sought to undertake the necessary enabling works and water activities such as sailing and rowing are scheduled to begin this Easter.

The community voluntary organisation is seeking more volunteers, supporters, partners, users, and especially funding streams and grants.

Several phases will result in a building that can accommodate training, changing rooms, showers, toilets, and other related facilities.

An updated website has been launched along with a fundraising scheme http://www.bcwac.org.uk/